Showing papers by "Wishaw General Hospital published in 2016"

Targeting ultrasound remission in early rheumatoid arthritis: the results of the TaSER study, a randomised clinical trial

Abstract: Objective To investigate whether an intensive early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treat-to-target (T2T) strategy could be improved through the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) assessment of disease activity. Methods 111 newly diagnosed patients with RA or undifferentiated arthritis (symptom duration Results Groups were matched for baseline clinical, demographic and radiographic features. The intervention group received more intensive DMARD therapy. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in DAS44 (mean change: control −2.58, intervention −2.69; 95% CI difference between groups −0.70 to 0.48; p=0.72). There were no significant between-group differences for any ACR core-set variables, except DAS44 remission after 18 months (control 43%, intervention 66%; p=0.03). There was minimal progression of MRI and radiographic erosions and no difference in imaging outcomes or serious adverse event rates. Conclusions In early RA, a MSUS-driven T2T strategy led to more intensive treatment, but was not associated with significantly better clinical or imaging outcomes than a DAS28-driven strategy. Trial registration number NCT00920478.

Brief Report: Predicting Functional Disability: One-Year Results From the Scottish Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Inception Cohort.

Abstract: Objective To identify baseline prognostic indicators of disability at 1 year within a contemporary early inflammatory arthritis inception cohort and then develop a clinically useful tool to support early patient education and decision-making. Methods The Scottish Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (SERA) inception cohort is a multicenter, prospective study of patients with newly presenting RA or undifferentiated arthritis. SERA data were analyzed to determine baseline predictors of disability (defined as a Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ] score of ≥1) at 1 year. Clinical and psychosocial baseline exposures were entered into a forward stepwise logistic regression model. The model was externally validated using newly accrued SERA data and subsequently converted into a prediction tool. Results Of the 578 participants (64.5% female), 36.7% (n = 212) reported functional disability at 1 year. Functional disability was independently predicted by baseline disability (odds ratio [OR] 2.67 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.98, 3.59]), depression (OR 2.52 [95% CI 1.18, 5.37]), anxiety (OR 2.37 [95% CI 1.33, 4.21]), being in paid employment with absenteeism during the last week (OR 1.19 [95% CI 0.63, 2.23]), not being in paid employment (OR 2.36 [95% CI 1.38, 4.03]), and being overweight (OR 1.61 [95% CI 1.04, 2.50]). External validation (using 113 newly acquired patients) evidenced good discriminative performance with a C statistic of 0.74, and the calibration slope showed no evidence of model overfit (P = 0.31). Conclusion In the context of modern early inflammatory arthritis treatment paradigms, predictors of disability at 1 year appear to be dominated by psychosocial rather than more traditional clinical measures. This indicates the potential benefit of early access to nonpharmacologic interventions targeting key psychosocial factors, such as mental health and work disability.

Quantifying alcohol-related emergency admissions in a UK tertiary referral hospital: a cross-sectional study of chronic alcohol dependency and acute alcohol intoxication

Abstract: Objectives Alcohol is responsible for a proportion of emergency admissions to hospital, with acute alcohol intoxication and chronic alcohol dependency (CAD) implicated. This study aims to quantify the proportion of hospital admissions through our emergency department (ED) which were thought by the admitting doctor to be (largely or partially) a result of alcohol consumption. Setting ED of a UK tertiary referral hospital. Participants All ED admissions occurring over 14 weeks from 1 September to 8 December 2012. Data obtained for 5497 of 5746 admissions (95.67%). Primary outcome measures Proportion of emergency admissions related to alcohol as defined by the admitting ED clinician. Secondary outcome measures Proportion of emergency admissions due to alcohol diagnosed with acute alcohol intoxication or CAD according to ICD-10 criteria. Results 1152 (21.0%, 95% CI 19.9% to 22.0%) of emergency admissions were thought to be due to alcohol. 74.6% of patients admitted due to alcohol had CAD, and significantly greater than the 26.4% with ‘Severe’ or ‘Very Severe’ acute alcohol intoxication (p Conclusions Alcohol was thought to be implicated in 21% of emergency admissions in this cohort. CAD is responsible for a significantly greater proportion of admissions due to alcohol than acute intoxication. Interventions designed to reduce alcohol-related admissions must incorporate measures to tackle CAD.

The Scottish Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (SERA) Study: an inception cohort and biobank

Abstract: The Scottish Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (SERA) study is an inception cohort of rheumatoid (RA) and undifferentiated arthritis (UA) patients that aims to provide a contemporary description of phenotype and outcome and facilitate discovery of phenotypic and prognostic biomarkers Demographic and clinical outcome data are collected from newly diagnosed RA/UA patients every 6 months from around Scotland. Health service utilization data is acquired from Information Services Division, NHS National Services Scotland. Plain radiographs of hands and feet are collected at baseline and 12 months. Additional samples of whole blood, plasma, serum and filtered urine are collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months Results are available for 1073 patients; at baseline, 76 % were classified as RA and 24 % as UA. Median time from onset to first review was 163 days (IQR97-323). Methotrexate was first-line DMARD for 75 % patients. Disease activity, functional ability and health-related quality of life improved significantly between baseline and 24 months, however the proportion in any employment fell (51 to 38 %, p = 0.0005). 24 % patients reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression at baseline. 35/391 (9 %) patients exhibited rapid radiographic progression after 12 months. The SERA Biobank has accrued 60,612 samples In routine care, newly diagnosed RA/UA patients experience significant improvements in disease activity, functional ability and health-related quality of life but have high rates of psychiatric symptoms and declining employment rates. The co-existence of a multi-domain description of phenotype and a comprehensive biobank will facilitate multi-platform translational research to identify predictive markers of phenotype and prognosis

An antithrombin replacement strategy during asparaginase therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia is associated with a reduction in thrombotic events

Abstract: Thrombosis is a well-recognized complication of asparaginase therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), associated with the depletion of antithrombin (AT). Following a high incidence of thrombotic episodes during induction therapy for ALL in our tertiary referral center, we prospectively instituted a protocol of AT replacement. Forty-five consecutive adolescents and adults with ALL treated with asparaginase-containing phase I induction protocols were included in this observational study. Fifteen received standard therapy with no replacement; the subsequent 30 were managed with the protocol described. One or more low AT levels (<70 iu/dl) were recorded in 76% of patients in the cohort managed using the protocol, resulting them in receiving an AT replacement. There was a significant reduction in the incidence of thrombosis with this strategy (0/30 vs. 5/15, p < 0.001). We suggest that such a strategy should be studied in a prospective randomized sub-study within the context of a national ALL trial.

The epidemiology of Scottish trauma: A comparison of pre-hospital and in-hospital deaths, 2000 to 2011.

Abstract: Aims To characterise the temporal trends and urban-rural distribution of fatal injuries in Scotland through the analysis of mortality data collected by the National Records of Scotland. Methods The prospectively collected NRS database was queried using ICD-10 codes for all Scottish trauma deaths during the period 2000 to 2011. Patients were divided into pre-hospital and in-hospital groups depending on the location of death. Incidence was plotted against time and linear regression was used to identify temporal trends. Results A total of 13,100 deaths were analysed. There were 4755 (36.3%) patients in the pre-hospital group with a median age (IQR) of 42 (28–58) years. The predominant cause of pre-hospital death related to vehicular injury (27.8%), which had a decreasing trend over the study period (p = 0.004). In-hospital, patients had a median age of 80 (58–88) years and the majority (67.0%) of deaths occurred following a fall on the level. This trend was shown to increase over the decade of study (p = 0.020). In addition, the incidence of urban incidents remained static, but the rate of rural fatal trauma decreased (p Conclusions Around a third of Scottish trauma patients die prior to hospital admission and the predominant mechanism of injury is due to road traffic accidents. This contrasts with in-hospital deaths, which are mainly observed in elderly patients following a fall from standing height. Further research is required to determine the preventability of fatal traumatic injury in Scotland.

Comparison of Short vs Long Anti-rotation in Treating Trochanteric Fractures.

Abstract: Introduction: A comparative evaluation of the surgical treatment and outcome of patients with pertrochanteric fractures treated with short versus long proximal femoral nail antirotation. Materials and methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients with pertrochanteric fractures treated between January 2011 and June 2012. In all 80 patients were enrolled in the study, of which 40 were treated with short PFNA and the remaining with long PFNA. Comparative analyses of demographic data, peri-operative outcome and complications were carried out. Results: There was no significant difference noted in the two groups with regards to Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen (AO) fracture classification, time from injury to surgery, blood transfusion post surgery and hospital stay. The surgical duration for a short PFNA procedure was significantly less (58 minutes) when compared to that of a long PFNA (87 minutes). Similarly intra-operative blood loss was significantly higher in the long PFNA group as compared to the short PFNA. Conclusions: A relatively quicker surgical time of just under an hour , lesser blood loss and better learning curve with trainee surgeons make short PFNA a better implant choice in the treatment of pertrochanteric fractures.

Knee arthrodesis with a long intramedullary nail as limb salvage for complex periprosthetic infections.

Abstract: Periprosthetic infection following total knee arthroplasty is a devastating complication, which is not always satisfactorily resolved by revision surgery. Arthrodesis is a salvage alternative to above-knee amputation or permanent resection arthroplasty. Fixation options include internal compression plating, external fixation, and intramedullary nails. We retrospectively reviewed twelve consecutive cases (9 males, 3 females; mean age, 67 years) of knee arthrodesis with a long intramedullary nail, performed at a single institution between 2003 and 2014. Desired outcomes were the ability to mobilize without pain, solid radiographic fusion, and the eradication of infection. Mean follow-up was 48.5 months (range, 9–120 months). Eleven patients (92 %) demonstrated stable fusion, ten patients (83 %) were ambulatory without pain, and ten patients (83 %) remained without infection at most recent follow-up. Eight patients (67 %) achieved union at an average of 12 months; three required repeat procedures, achieving union at an average of 9 months. There was a significant difference (P < 0.01) between the numbers of previous operations amongst the eight patients who initially achieved union (mean, 3.25) and three who subsequently required repeat procedures (mean, 8.33). In contrast to similar studies, we performed a single-stage exchange where possible, while comparable ambulatory and fusion rates were observed. Numerous previous attempts at revision arthroplasty, co-morbidities, and infections with highly resistant organisms have been associated with further complications. Although technically challenging, knee arthrodesis with a long intramedullary nail offers an acceptable limb salvage procedure for carefully selected patients with complex periprosthetic infections.

Attitudes towards breast conservation in patients aged over 70 with breast cancer.

Abstract: The majority of breast conserving surgery (BCS) is performed in younger women. There is little published information about the views of women aged over 70 regarding BCS. The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of this age group towards BCS, and factors which may influence their treatment decision-making. A questionnaire was sent to all patients who were aged 70 or over at the time they had breast cancer surgery in NHS Lanarkshire between 1999 and 2013. This detailed surgical options and recommendations, timing of decision making, treatment expectations, psychological and cosmetic concerns and other factors which may have influenced any decision made e.g. travel for radiotherapy and potential side effects. Responses were received from 339 patients, 192 of whom had a mastectomy with the remaining undergoing BCS. In the mastectomy group 18 % (35) would have preferred to have BCS had it been an option, with 40 % (76) of group being happy to take neoadjuvant endocrine therapy to try and facilitate this. However, only 14 % (26) of patients would have considered neoadjuvant chemotherapy with the same aim. Almost half (82) of the mastectomy patients said that the risk of local recurrence following BCS was a factor which influenced their decision. BCS is something that patients aged over 70 are interested in considering in the same way as younger patients. More than a third of patients requiring mastectomy would be willing to take neoadjuvant endocrine therapy to attempt to downstage their tumour to facilitate BCS.

Scotland Registry for Ankylosing Spondylitis (SIRAS) – Protocol

Abstract: Funding SIRAS was funded by unrestricted grants from Pfizer and AbbVie. The project was reviewed by both companies, during the award process, for Scientific merit, to ensure that the design did not compromise patient safety, and to assess the global regulatory implications and any impact on regulatory strategy.

Can 1H MR Spectroscopy be Used to Assess the Success of Uterine Artery Embolisation

Abstract: Absence of contrast on contrast enhanced MRI (CEMRI) and reduction in uterine volume at 6 months post-uterine artery embolisation (UAE) currently indicate the successful disruption of the fibroid blood supply by UAE. This study assesses whether 1H MR spectroscopy (1H MRS) can also indicate the success of UAE. 20 patients with symptomatic fibroids were randomised 1:1 to undergo UAE with either Gelfoam or Embospheres. CEMRI and spectra (1.5 T) were acquired pre-, 24-h and 6 months post-UAE. LCModel was used to detect significant levels of choline, creatine and lactate in fibroid spectra. Uterine volumes were measured and paired t tests (p < 0.05) assessed volume reduction over time. Qualitative assessments of CEMRI were performed. Choline was detected in 17/18 spectra pre-UAE, 12/14 at 24-h and 6/16 at 6 months post-UAE. Choline was not detected in the 7/7 spectra available for the Embospheres group at 6 months. These fibroids were non-enhancing on CEMRI and associated with a significant reduction in mean uterine volume at 6 months (mean/min/max 396.5/84.1/997.5 cm3, p = 0.003). Choline was detected in 6/9 fibroid spectra available for the Gelfoam group at 6 months. Of these fibroids, four demonstrated persistent enhancement on CEMRI and two were non-enhancing. This group did not demonstrate significant uterine volume reduction (mean/min/max 117.2/−230.6/382.6 cm3, p = 0.15). The negative minimum value indicates fibroid growth. This study has demonstrated the potential of 1H MRS to provide an additional marker of the success of UAE.

Coconut water drink and the risk of hyperkalaemia in diabetes

Abstract: Coconut water is available as a substitute for table water and as a sports rehydrating drink. Because of the nature of its micronutrients, it may lead to biochemical changes that may not be beneficial for all groups of people. A patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus consumed daily around one litre of coconut water drink. As a result, there was a gradual increase in serum potassium. On cessation of beverage consumption, serum potassium decreased to within the reference interval. However, an increase in urea and creatinine concentration did not revert to the level seen prior to coconut water consumption. There was a decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase and zinc when consuming the beverage. Reduction occurred in diastolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, serum enzymes and zinc, while serum potassium concentration increased in this patient with type 2 diabetes. The observed changes resulted from consuming excessive quantities of coconut water drinks. In patients with diabetes and renal impairment and on potassium-retaining medication, there is a high risk of developing hyperkalaemia. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons.

A novel local treatment for bleeding stomal varices.

Abstract: 1 Panarelli NC. Drug-induced injury in the gastrointestinal tract. Semin Diagn Pathol 2014; 31: 165–75. 2 Soldini D, Gaspert A, Montani M et al. Apoptotic enteropathy caused by antimetabolites and TNF-a antagonists. J Clin Pathol 2014; 67: 582–6. 3 Danese S, Vuitton L, Peyrin-Biroulet L. Biologic agents for IBD: practical insights. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 12: 537–45. 4 Tursi A, Penna A. Onset of ulcerative colitis under treatment with adalimumab. Am J Gastroenterol 2008; 103: 2410–2. 5 Zamora-Atenza C, Diaz-Torne C, Geli C et al. Adalimumab regulates intracellular TNFa production in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2014; 16: R153.

An alternative to direct ophthalmoscopy

Abstract: We read with interest the article by Yusuf et al ., which described a novel approach to teaching direct ophthalmoscopy in a primary care setting. 1 Their approach is encouraging in that it may improve the competence of medical students in using the direct ophthalmoscope; however, this is an ophthalmic skill that is diffi cult to learn . 2 With an increased emphasis on core specialties within the undergraduate medical curriculum, it may therefore be unrealistic to expect students to achieve a reliable level of profi ciency using the ophthalmoscope in such a short time frame. Hence, we would like to put forward the case for using ocular fundus photography as an adjunct to direct ophthalmoscopy for teaching. In essence, more emphasis can be placed on the interpretation of signs from fundus images obtained by easier means.

Death Certification: 800 years of practice; time to modernise teaching?:

Abstract: A short, personal perspective on the state of death certification teaching in the UK from two foundation doctors, with a focus on the importance of certifying death and the potential educational methods available to improve teaching on the topic.